7 Common Job Hunting Myths Debunked

We’re all guilty of falling victim to the myths of the job search—it’s a stressful process, and we’ll do whatever we can to make sure we don’t harm our chances of getting through to that next step. But did you ever stop to think that some misconceptions actually holding you back?

The charity sector is changing, and a diverse skill set is more important than ever. So don’t let yourself get defeated before you even start.

Think you might be guilty of getting derailed by job hunting misconceptions? We’ve created a list of the biggest job-hunting myths so that you can disregard them and continue your job search productively.

Myth 1: You need to apply for as many jobs as possible

There are many cases in which less is definitely more; job hunting is one of them. You don’t just want to be seen…you want to be remembered. Most recruiters can spot a generic CV a mile away, and blasting out 20 applications a day means very little time for tailoring.

Instead of sending your CV to more organisations than you can count, narrow your search down to roles and places that you would truly love to work for. Then, do a bit of research, and hit all the keywords that the charity are looking for. It can be helpful to read through the job spec and pull out specific skills and traits, then mirror those in your application. That way, you’ll not only fit what they’re after, but you’ll prove that you’re paying attention.

Moving around can give you an opportunity to gain new skills, work in challenging environments and meet some amazing people. And with an increasing number of people taking on contract work or freelancing, having worked for several organisations isn’t always something to worry about.

Myth 3: A cover letter is not as important as a well-tailored CV

Unless specified in the job details, it’s rare that a recruiter will take the time to review your application or CV without a cover letter. In fact, many recruiters read your CV because there was something in your cover letter that really stood out.

Don’t miss out on a chance to impress a recruiter with your personality as well as your skills by writing a simple, templated cover letter. This is your chance to really let that personality shine through—so go for it! And, if you’re having trouble with nailing it, we have some great tips here.

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Myth 4: Your CV can’t be longer than a page

It’s hard to say a lot on one page. The good news? You don’t need to limit yourself so much! CVs typically run between one and two pages, so if you need a bit more space, then go for it.

You can make your CV concise and to the point, without cutting out some of your best work. Leaving out achievements and relevant projects for the sake of fitting your CV to a page isn’t productive. After all, this is your introduction to a recruiter and they will be oblivious to anything that has taken place in your career that’s off the page.

Maybe you’ve been looking for a new job for a little while and you’re eager for change. You might want to escape the corporate world or shift careers. Whatever your reason for job hunting, lowering salary expectations doesn’t make the process any easier.

While this might seem like a strategy worth using to close the deal quickly, sooner or later, the less than ideal financial situation will become frustrating.

You might find a dream job and organisation that doesn’t quite have the budget for your desired salary. In this case, lowering your salary expectations may be worth-while but make sure that you can live comfortably. And have a conversation about whether or not they’ll be able to review that salary in the near future.

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Myth 6: You should always take the first offer you get

Job hunting can be tough and frustrating at times. It’s not the act of looking for a job that we enjoy, but the relief of finding one that allows us to connect with our passions. There’s often a sense of urgency to accept the first job that we’re offered just to escape the process. But it pays to remember that the only job you should accept is the one that allows your career to move in the right direction. So don’t give up! The dream job is out there, it might just take a bit of time to find it.

Myth 7: No one will check you out online

We live in a world where digital thrives and a simple Google search can bring up everything from your last tweet to company profile. Recruiters have been using social media and the likes to screen applicants before inviting them in for an interview for years. And, as we as a nation become more digitally savvy, these practices will continue to develop. Anything that you post can and will be used as a sort of background check. So make sure that you’re online reputation is clean and tidy.